Published in 1913, Trent's Last Case is often called the first "modern" detective novel. It kicks off with the shocking death of Sigsbee Manderson, a powerful and ruthless American financier, who is found with a bullet in his head at his English country estate. The police, the press, and everyone else quickly settle on suicide. Everyone, that is, except Philip Trent. He's a talented artist and a sharp-witted journalist who can't shake the feeling that something's off.

The Story

Trent heads to the scene, charming his way into the investigation. He meets Manderson's beautiful, much younger wife, his loyal secretary, and a cast of suspicious characters. Using logic, observation, and a bit of cheeky humor, Trent pieces together a theory that points squarely to murder. He's confident he's solved it, and even finds what seems like a perfect motive. The book builds to a classic reveal where Trent explains his brilliant deduction to all the suspects... only to have his entire case fall apart in the most spectacular and embarrassing way. The real truth is something far more surprising and human than a simple crime of greed.

Why You Should Read It

This book is a joy because it feels so fresh, even over a century later. Trent isn't a brooding genius; he's a likable, normal guy who makes a huge, very believable mistake. The story is less about forensics and more about psychology and the flaws in our own reasoning. Bentley has a light, witty writing style that makes it a breeze to read. He pokes fun at the stuffy detective tropes of his day while creating a puzzle that's genuinely clever. The heart of the story isn't really the "how," but the "why," and it leads to a conclusion that's both shocking and strangely moving.

Final Verdict

This is the perfect book for mystery lovers who think they've seen it all. If you enjoy Agatha Christie but wish her stories had a bit more humor and a bigger twist, you'll love this. It's also a great pick for anyone curious about the history of the genre—you can see how it inspired later writers. Don't go in expecting guns and car chases; go in for a smart, character-driven puzzle that will keep you guessing and leave you with a smile. A true classic that still packs a punch.